4.0 SOHC Timing Chain noise

[D Hook]

I'm getting some noise at start up and, after reading through threads on here and getting myself pretty confused, I need to ask about the timing chain rattle that I THINK I'm hearing.

It only makes the noise on start up, after the engine has been sitting for sometime. It goes away after about 30 seconds or so. Then I never hear it again until the engine has been shut down for awhile.

I read the thread posted by StreetRod and it sounds like this repair is pretty involved. But then I read that this problem is more likely on pre-2002 models. Does this sound correct?

Can't really tell if it's coming from the front or back. Vehicle has about 145K miles on it. I just bought it and am still getting used to the noises. Not sure what's normal and what isn't.

Thannks for any insight. I'll keep searching old posts but am curious about the pre-2002 comment I read and the difficulty on the 2002 motors to change out the guides and if it's the same difficulty level as previous models.

Thanks.........

 

[D Hook]

Yeah, okay, I'm an idiot. I don't think what I was hearing was a timing chain problem.

I started up the truck this morning with the hood up and went to the front and listened and the noise is coming from the K&N CAI filter. It's a whooshing noise. (Sounded mechanical from inside the truck.) Never had a CAI setup, nor a K&N filter so wasn't sure what I was hearing and I don't know what a failing chain tensioner sounds like either so I was expecting the worst I guess. Big sigh of relief!

But my question about model year and difficulty of changing is still making me curious. With this many miles, I'm thinking of having it done as a preventitive maintance item if it doesn't involve pulling the engine. Any opinions or information on that would be much appreciated.

 

[matt0248]

You have to remove the engine to access the passenger side timing chains.